Our Most Precious Treasure

by Emme Lou Balatero-Pacubas
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

Many of us associate the word treasure with gold bars, jewelries, wealth, paintings and other material things. For us, this word is associated with a very special person, Miss Preciosa Lara Tolentino, our Lola Presing.

Lola Presing, who was born on November 10, 1923, is the daughter of the late Roberto Tolentino, an elementary school principal, and the late Pilar Lara, a school teacher. Her elementary years were spent in Magsingal Central School and for her secondary education; she studied in Ilocos Sur National High School. She took her college degree in Education and Home Economics at Philippine Normal School, now known as the Philippine Normal University.

Photo of Lola Presing courtesy of Ronnie

As a teacher, Lola was assigned to the various districts of Locos Sur, particularly in Sta. Lucia and Bantay, as she told me once that she taught in Bulag, where I now reside.

Then she was transferred to the Magsingal North Central School. Lola taught Home Economics, Science and MAPE (Music, Arts and Physical Education).  Who among her pupils would forget the Rhythm Band? Or her pitch pipe and her baton? And if the High School students had their Junior Senior Prom, the Grade Six pupils then had their afternoon tea party. It was an occasion to dress up and to practice the rudiments of the waltz. And for sure, the ubiquitous pineapple sandwich was part of the snacks. This sandwich is called “patented” by my aunts. I miss this sandwich, especially if made with New Zealand butter, the brand then preferred by Lola for our personal use.  As a Home Economics teacher, Lola attended various seminars and trainings. At home, she would try the new recipes she had learned and I would ask for a copy of the recipes that I liked. Thus, I learned how to make siopao, lumpia, and the steamed orange cake to name a few.

It was during Lola’s time as a teacher that “recycling” was the buzz word. And I’m grateful for I learned how to make these cute candy wrapper flowers and some other things. When my daughter had it as a project, it was a breeze doing it and teaching her how to make one.  Her teacher praised our handiwork and used it as an example.

Lola retired in 1987. After her retirement, she devoted her time in various social and civic organizations. She had been a president of the Catholic Women’s League and the Parish Pastoral Council. She was also an active member of the RIC teaching the members various folk dances which they presented during Magsingal’s fiesta celebrations. She also joined the Magsingal Rondalla until arthritis forbade her from playing.

Lola is a survivor. Not only had she survived the World War II (she was still a college student when the war began), she has also battled with the Big C and conquered it.  She has outlived most of the past presidents of the country starting with Manuel L. Quezon (1st Commonwealth President; elected September 17, 1935 if my memory serves me right).

As an aunt, grand aunt and a great grand aunt, Lola is very loving and thoughtful. She was our guardian during our elementary years, and was responsible for making these years memorable. We always had our birthday parties at school, and if any of my brothers had a misdeed (like quarreling with their classmates), she was there for them. Our mother then was still assigned in Miramar. Lola never misses to greet us on our birthdays and always has a gift for the children. She has constantly urged us to do our best. She had us enrolled in Piano lessons. Unfortunately, I am not musically inclined. It’s good that my brothers and some of my cousins are, and could play the piano, organ, guitar and the drums by ear/oido. Hopefully, my daughter will follow their footsteps. She is taking piano and guitar lessons at school.

So this is Lola Presing, our most precious treasure. I know that there are still many things unwritten about her, and I ask my cousins to continue my work. Lola is now turning 85, and hopefully will have more birthdays to come. As my brothers say whenever they hear that someone else’s lola or tita has died, “ No la koma mailakasa ni Lola tapno mailisi iti pagdaksanna”.  Happy birthday, Lola!! We love you so much!